Standard or raw: the questions to ask

Start with terms, not labels

Standard, raw, and other account names are commercial labels. Conditions vary across brokers and entities within a group. Read each account’s fee schedule and instrument specifications.

Understand the mechanism, not just the definition

Standard, raw, pro and cent are provider labels rather than universal specifications. Cent-denominated balances do not alone define ownership or economic risk. Raw accounts may differ in commissions, minimums and catalogs. Compare contractual variables before interpreting names.

Build a complete comparison

Record spread, commission, minimum volume, account currency, and deposit requirements. Check platforms, financing charges, and execution terms. A lower spread may come with a separate commission.

Worked case, step by step

An account displays 10,000 cents while another shows USD 100. They can represent the same amount if each cent unit is USD 0.01, but contract size and volume still require checking. Do not compare one lot without converting exposure. Add platform, product, fees, funding and eligibility to the record.

What to verify when applying this

A demo account helps you learn a platform but does not guarantee live execution. Verify current terms and understand that leverage magnifies both gains and losses.

Practice: verify it in your environment

Learn by observing the process and keeping its data. Complete this practice in demo or using documentation, without sending real orders or adding capital for the exercise. Record differences between the example and your account specifications.

1. Normalize balance to a currency and volume to contractual units.
2. Compare only accounts compatible with the required platform and product.

Test your understanding

Try the question before revealing the answer. Justify the conclusion and its assumptions rather than memorizing a number.